Michael Chopra has spoken of his regret at the recent incident that led to him being fined a fortnight’s wages.
Chopra, who has fought an ongoing and well-publicised battle with a costly gambling addiction, briefly went off the rails when he and Jimmy Bullard were late for training after spending the best part of two days in Newcastle.
While Town’s leading marksman was hit in the pocket, manager Paul Jewell decided to suspend Bullard for two weeks, although he is now back in full training with the other members of the senior squad.
Chopra said: "It’s one of those things that happens but I certainly regret it. I have apologised to the manager and the club. I let myself down and other people, including some who have done a lot to help me through my bad times.
"You are always learning in life. I’ve obviously made a few in my life and that was the latest. I shouldn’t have done that, I’ve been punished and I now want to look ahead to what I can achieve here at Ipswich.”
Chopra dismissed rumours that it was a case of him being led astray by 33-year-old Bullard, whose contract at former club Hull was cancelled following an alleged incident during the Tigers’ pre-season training camp in Slovenia.
He added: "That’s not what happened at all. It was my idea to go up to Newcastle and Jimmy said he would come with me. I was trying to get some of the other players to come along as well but they were strong enough to say no and I wish I had been like that as well.”